Microneedling · London · Battersea
For Fitzpatrick IV to VI, microneedling done wrong leaves dark marks that take months to fade. Done right, with adjusted depth, lower-trauma passes and PIH-aware topical pairing, it remains one of the most evidence-supported treatments for acne scars, melasma adjunctive care and texture. We do it right.
Skin of Colour is the design brief
Microneedling does not target melanin, so on first reading it looks "safe for all skin tones". The trap is that over-aggressive needling, too deep or too many passes, triggers an inflammatory response that can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of colour. Many clinics still treat melanin-rich skin with protocols developed on lighter skin.
Our approach: shallower depth where appropriate, fewer passes per session, more sessions across a course, and pre and post topical pairing chosen for pigmentation-prone skin. We discuss your Fitzpatrick type, your history with PIH, and your specific concern at consultation.
If we don't think microneedling is right for you, we will say so.
Mechanism
Sterile needles enter the skin at a calibrated depth, from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm depending on indication. Each needle creates a micro-channel: a controlled injury that the body reads as a signal to repair.
Repair brings collagen synthesis, elastin remodelling and improved skin turnover. Over a course, the cumulative effect can soften the appearance of atrophic acne scars, refine texture, and improve how the skin reflects light. Topicals applied immediately after, such as polynucleotides or PRP, are absorbed through the micro-channels for an additive effect.
RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis through the needle tips. This adds a thermal component for collagen contraction. For pigmentation-prone skin, RF is used selectively and only after assessment.
What we treat
Atrophic acne scarring
Rolling and boxcar scars respond best. Ice-pick scars need careful expectation-setting.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation support
Microneedling can accelerate cell turnover. Used cautiously alongside tyrosinase-inhibiting topicals.
Melasma adjunctive care
Microneedling is one input, never the whole plan. Combined with strict sun protection and prescribed topicals.
Skin texture, fine lines, large-pore appearance
Course of 3 to 6 sessions for visible texture refinement.
Stretch marks
Best on early-stage (still pink/red) marks. Mature white stretch marks respond more slowly.
Hair density (scalp microneedling)
Combined with PRP or polynucleotides for androgenetic and post-pregnancy hair changes.
Pricing
Clinical evidence
Reviewed 2026-05-26 by our clinic team. Hedged language because honest evidence rarely promises.
A systematic review and meta-analysis by Hou et al found microneedling produces statistically significant improvement in atrophic acne scars across multiple studies (Hou 2017). Evidence for microneedling in skin of colour suggests reasonable safety with appropriate protocols and a meaningful response in acne scarring (Cohen & Elbuluk 2016). Combination of microneedling with topical PRP has been studied in androgenetic alopecia and may improve hair density over a course (Dhurat 2013).
Most microneedling studies have small to moderate sample sizes and short follow-up. Protocols (depth, pass count, device type) vary widely across studies, making direct comparison difficult. Brand-specific device data is often industry-funded; we prefer mechanism-level systematic reviews and RCTs. Ice-pick acne scars respond less reliably than rolling or boxcar scars across the literature.
Microneedling suits adults with atrophic acne scarring, texture concerns, mild laxity, early stretch marks, and pigmentation-prone skin when the protocol is adjusted accordingly. Not appropriate during active acne flare in the treatment area, during pregnancy, on areas with active infection, or within 6 months of oral isotretinoin. We do not perform RF microneedling on Fitzpatrick V or VI without a careful test patch first.
Common transient reactions: erythema, mild bleeding spots, sensitivity for 24-48 hours. PIH risk in pigmentation-prone skin is the most relevant longer-term concern and is mitigated by depth adjustment, lower pass-count, and topical pairing. Strict sun protection for 7 days post-session is essential.
Last reviewed 2026-05-26. References, indexed in PubMed. Individual results vary.
Delivered by
Microneedling at Melatone is delivered by Arman Zaki, our GMC-registered clinical lead, or by Vicki Lefeuve, Aesthetic Practitioner. Both have specialist training in PIH-aware protocols for skin of colour. Read Arman's bio · Read Vicki's bio.
Common questions
Yes, with the right protocol. Microneedling does not use heat or wavelengths and so does not target melanin. The risk in skin of colour is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from over-aggressive treatment. We adjust depth, pass-count and topical pairing for Fitzpatrick IV to VI.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger wound-healing pathways. Published evidence indicates a course of 3 to 6 sessions may improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, with greater response in rolling and boxcar scars than in ice-pick scars.
Standard microneedling uses sterile needles only. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis. RF microneedling reaches deeper layers and is used for more severe scarring or skin laxity. For pigmentation-prone skin, RF is approached cautiously.
Yes. Polynucleotides or PRP applied topically immediately after microneedling can be absorbed through the micro-channels, which may enhance the regenerative effect. We tailor combination protocols at consultation.
Single sessions from £180. Courses of 3 or 6 on enquiry. RF microneedling and combination protocols are priced separately.
Related treatments
Enquire on WhatsApp for a microneedling consultation. We will tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for you.
